DePaul University Athletics
DePaul's Ben Named to NSCAA All-America Team
12/2/2016 12:00:00 AM | WOMEN'S SOCCER
CHICAGO -- Women's soccer received some great news on Friday when Alexa Ben was named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division I All-America Team.
The dynamic junior midfielder was a third-team selection and becomes DePaul's second All-American in program history. Julianne Sitch was selected for the NSCAA/adidas All-American Second Team in 2003.
Ben had seven goals and three assists while helping lead the Blue Demons to the BIG EAST Conference regular-season title and a berth in the BIG EAST Championship semifinals. She missed two games with an injury.
With one season to go, Ben is second all-time in career assists with 21 and needs five in her senior year to tie Sitch. Ben is fourth all-time in career goals with 20 and third in career points with 61.
"It's a little unreal being such a high honor," Ben said. "Being mentioned with all the top players in the country is pretty awesome.
"My main goal this season was to help the team and I never thought about individual awards. I am more concerned with winning the BIG EAST regular-season title, winning the conference tournament and winning an NCAA tournament game. That would be so much greater than any individual award."
Ben has been a solidifying force in the midfield and an offensive catalyst for a DePaul attack that scored 45 goals in 2016---the second-highest mark in program history. Coach Erin Chastain's side also had the third-best season mark in assists (36) and points (126).
Ben made sure to share the honor with her teammates.
"Everyone on the team worked so hard and came together so well as we wanted to improve on our 2015 season," Ben said. "We all worked toward a common goal and developed a strong chemistry. Our coaching staff pushed us every day and made us into the best team we could be."
The head coach was pretty excited when she heard the news.
"I am so incredibly proud of Alexa," Chastain said. "She is so deserving of this honor and really is one of the most special players that I've had the opportunity to coach.
"In combination with her special attacking ability, she brought a great level of discipline to our team this year, and I know she will be a tremendous leader going into her senior year.
"On top of all of that, she has an infectious laugh and is so fun to be around and have in our program."
